The automatic switch is used to protect the electrical wiring of rooms from burnout and mechanical damage. The switching device conducts current in normal circuit mode and turns off when overloaded. When choosing electric machines for a house or apartment, it is important to pay attention to reliability, permissible load, type and marking. It is also recommended to study the ratings of the best manufacturers.
Automatic machines for the apartment
A circuit breaker as part of the home electrical system provides:
- the convenience of manually connecting the connection circuit to the power source;
- high-quality current carrying at a working load;
- protective shutdown in case of emergency.
The optimal value of the response current of the switch is 10-15% less than the current of the main network.
AB types for indoor
One of the devices is mounted in a house or apartment:
- installation - a plastic dielectric housing prevents accidental contact with live components, access to moisture and debris;
- universal - can be placed outside the shield in protective boxes;
- high-speed - are disconnected in 5 ms;
- non-responsive - trigger in 10-100 ms;
- selective - switch with adjustable response time.
Take a closer look at devices with an uncompensated magnetic release (marking “C”). Its response threshold is determined by the temperature in the room.
How to calculate the required value of machines
In the apartment you need a bipolar input device in front of the meter and switchgear with one pole. The cable according to clause 1.3.6 of the Electrical Installation Rules has a section of 4-6 mm2. In the garage you will need an input switch for the electric meter, 10 A devices for lighting and 16 A for sockets.
Comparison of different machines shows that the type of device depends on the load on the wiring. To calculate the power rating of a machine with a current of 16 A for a single consumer, you will need:
- Determine the type of network and its protection.
- Set consumer class.
- Calculate the number of consumers and the total maximum load. B - old wiring with heaters, electric stoves, ovens. C - premises with household appliances, gas-discharge light sources. D - for garages with compressors, pumps.
- Calculate the current strength in real conditions by the formula I = P / (U * cos φ) - for a single-phase network.
- Calculate the current strength in real conditions by the formula I = P / (1.73 * U * cos φ) - for a three-phase network, where U = 380 V.
- Select the conductor cross section (aluminum, copper) according to the PUE tables.
Before installation, check the switch for phase-zero loop resistance.
Reliability rating of electric machines
The user rating of circuit breakers for quality and reliability includes several devices.
1st place - SH201L B16 from ABB
According to consumer reviews, it is better to choose ABB electric machines. The single-pole device is designed for a rated power of 16 A, an alternating voltage type. Rated breaking capacity - 4.5 kA.
Pros:
- compatible with electromagnetic and thermal diffusers;
- rated voltage 230 V;
- high-quality assembly;
- mounted on a DIN rail.
Minuses:
- high price;
- disposable grooves.
2nd place - Power Break II by General Electric
American air guns are designed for long-term operation. The rms value is 200 thousand A, the rated voltage is up to 240 V.
Pros:
- the presence of insulation;
- current strength 200-4000 A;
- comfortable handle.
Minuses:
- designed for combination tires only;
- problematic to purchase offline.
3rd place - “KPRO” series from Contactor
Russian models of this series can be taken for domestic needs. They maintain a current strength of up to 100 A, are placed in cases, and are closed by covers.
Pros:
- presence of adjustment of protection;
- Certification of the Customs Union;
- current range 16-100 A.
Cons: a small number of models in the line, contacts are not recessed in the case.
Features of machines of some well-known brands
Brands of switching machines for home and household power supply devices with catchy “chips”. Before buying, it is worth clarifying the features of the technique:
- The Chinese brand "Energy" presents 2 series. 46-73 does not have indicators and recesses, suitable for a current of 6 kA. VA 47-29 - with side recesses, double-sided comb, 6 kA.
- The manufacturer EKF offers devices of the Proxima line with caps for seals. Budget machines 47-63 go without them.
- The products of the Kursk company KEAZ are easy to distinguish at the place of release. Russian BM-63 are suitable for seals, combs, have indication of contacts. Chinese VA 47-29 are rated at 4.5 kA, without indicators and comb holes.
- Heavy Hungarian GEs are designed for a current of 6 kA, do not have recesses on the sides. Comb area on one side.
- Polish switches Legrand TX for current 6 kA with recesses, but without indicators and combs.
- You can identify the place of production of Shneider Electric by power. Bulgarian are suitable for currents from 25 A, all that is lower is Chinese-made. Easy 9 Series are good low-cost single-pole models.
- ABB S series products (6 kA) have an indicator, recesses, one-sided comb. SH switches (4.5 kA) come without combs and indicators, but with recesses.
A comparison of the features of brands of household appliances shows that all models of switches can be installed in a house, apartment, workshop, garage, hotel or restaurant.
The best foreign manufacturers
The rating of foreign manufacturers of circuit breakers and UZO devices will help to choose high-quality products for the home electrical network. Users highlighted the Top 4 brands.
1st place - ABB
The company was included in the rating of manufacturers of automatic machines for electrical wiring in the apartment on the basis of safety and reliability of products. Expensive devices in conditions of constant power surges do not burn out.
Pros:
- compactness;
- easy to assemble into a visor;
- safety;
- the presence of switches with 4 poles;
- smooth edges.
Minuses:
- disposable grooves for rail;
- A small selection of D-Class models.
2nd place - Siemens
From the assortment it is easy to choose a reliable switch for domestic and industrial purposes. The manufacturer sets the cost of devices 3 times cheaper than ABB, so they should be taken for installation in rooms with an average network load. The shutdown occurs when the voltage increases to 6 kA.
Pros:
- screws with slotted caps for firm fixation;
- ease of circuit recovery when the circuit breaker trips;
- ease of access to the downshift distribution box.
Minuses:
- Russians are mainly available products with a current of up to 63 A;
- products exclusively for C-class operation;
- the screws are tightened with a special screwdriver.
3rd place - General Electric
The brand got into the rating of manufacturers of UZO and automatic machines for reasons of wear resistance, duration of operation, inexpensive cost of products. The circuit breaker rating is from 0.5 to 63 A. They are suitable for 230-400 V.
Pros:
- 30 types of goods for three-and single-phase networks;
- household series is designed for 10 thousand operations and 20 thousand mechanical circuit breaks;
- embossed toggle switch;
- compactness.
Minuses:
- nominal limit - 63 A;
- Only suitable for C-class shutdown.
4th place - Schneider Electric
The household line of this brand of foreign automatic machines EASY 9 is characterized by workmanship and affordable cost.Installation is carried out on a din-rail, operation at power surges - almost instantly. The operation rating is 0.5-63 A.
Pros:
- machines for 1-4 poles;
- high-quality sub-terminal holes;
- a large selection of modular devices;
- several single-phase in one housing;
- convenient handle of the toggle switch;
- durability and reliability.
Cons: curve - only for devices of class B and C; high price.
The best domestic manufacturers
The user rating of automatic machines for electrical wiring in the apartment also presents domestic models. Top 5 manufacturers include:
1st place - Contactor
Devices have protection against excessive power, are easily installed in the shield, a separate case, can be closed with covers. The current parameters depend on the series. VAZ are rated at 250 A, Proton - at 1600 A, Electron - at 6.3 kA. The KPRO household circuit breaker has a current strength of up to 100 A.
Pros:
- overload and short circuit adjustment;
- engraving on the case;
- good equipment protection.
Minuses:
- few household models;
- risks of electric shock from open contacts.
2nd place - Korenevo
Low-voltage equipment is designed for 1-3 poles, has a rated voltage of 230-600 V. Each product of the brand is reliable, is operated without failures for 1000 cycles.
Pros:
- full compliance of products with state standards;
- quality is above average.
Minuses:
- one household series - VNK.
3rd place - DEKraft
The main production is concentrated in China, but the company got into the rating of manufacturers of RCDs and automatic machines because of the affordable cost of goods. Models are designed for 6000 cycles. The disconnection of the circuit during overheating of the wiring and restoration is carried out 25 thousand times.
Pros:
- testing machines in German centers TUV;
- wholesale sales from warehouses in Yekaterinburg and Moscow;
- Russian signatures on the position of the arm.
Minuses:
- current rating 63 A;
- entry for cable type with cross-section up to 25 mm2.
4th place - KEAZ
A manufacturer from Russia has been working for almost 75 years. Standard automatic machines and RCDs are represented by the KEAZ line, the latest devices - by the KEAZ Optima series. All devices are designed for direct and alternating current.
Pros:
- You can purchase additional equipment - signal modules, releases;
- compactness.
Minuses:
- the expensive cost of the Optima series instruments;
- Warranty period - from 12 to 24 months.
5th place - IEK
Russian company producing 4,000 products in Chinese factories. Modular devices have a current rating of 0.5-64 A, suitable for classes B, C and D. The indicator windows are marked in red and green.
Pros:
- affordable price;
- strong case;
- mechanical and electromagnetic actuation system.
Minuses:
- marriage is often;
- there is no assembly in Russia;
- minor burns during short circuits.
Ratings are based on customer reviews, which are also useful to study.
Which circuit breaker to choose
Before buying a circuit breaker, you need not only to review the rating of domestic and foreign circuit breakers. It is worth paying attention to the main parameters:
- Place of installation. For a living room with a 300 W TV and 2000 W air conditioning, a 16 A device is enough. A 25-30 A switch is needed in a garage with 3000 W equipment.
- Type of device. Modular boxes are put on a standard din rail. Power can be assembled in a hanging cabinet on bolt fasteners.
- The number of poles. A single-pole switch is installed in one room, it is better to put a model with a four-pole connection into the house.
- Breaking capacity. Auto start indicator is from 1.5 to 36 kA. A device with a value of 4.5-6 kA is suitable for an apartment, for a garage-workshop - with a value of 10 kA.
- Mains voltage. For 220 V outlets, similar protective equipment is required. With voltage fluctuations of 180-240 V - automatic machine at 240 V.
- Contacts. In a home or apartment, switches with standard contacts are operated.
- The location of the terminals.The rear is justified if there is access from the sides and long wires, the front is suitable for devices in a narrow case with short wires.
- Manufacturer. Based on the rating above, you can determine which company is better to choose electric machines.
A high-quality circuit breaker of an automatic type must have a clear marking, a case without nicks, manufacturer certificates and connection instructions. The assortment of products of modern brands allows you to decide which electric machines will be better for loading in a particular room.